West Ham should solve right-back pursuit with Chelsea's Davide Zappacosta

It is clear that West Ham United are looking to sign a new right-back in the January transfer window. Recent reports suggest Manuel Pellegrini wants the likes of Nathaniel Clyne and Antonio Valencia being linked of late.

This comes after Ryan Fredericks suffered a shin injury that is expected to keep him on the sidelines for the foresseable future, while Pablo Zabaleta has openly spoken about leaving West Ham.

It leaves the Hammers with the need for a new right-back, and a loan signing could be made in the January window to give Pellegrini options for the second half of the season.

One option, though, should be to consider Chelsea's Italy international Davide Zappacosta as he has managed just two Premier League appearances from the substitutes bench - culminating in just 18 minutes.

Italian outlet CalcioMercato claim that the 26-year-old is a target for Serie A side Lazio in the January transfer window, which could see him return to Italy for the first time since leaving Torino to join Chelsea in 2017 for a fee of £23million (Goal).

He impressed in his first season at Stamford Bridge, scoring twice and creating four more goals. But this season, he has managed just eight appearances in all competitions - including the Community Shield.

Adding a player of such quality and calibre to West Ham's side would finally solve Pellegrini's problem area on the right side of defence. Indeed, Zappacosta's style of play would suit him perfectly to Pellegrini's wing-back system.

Will Butcher

Sports journalist who graduated in 2016 from Staffordshire University, and has since worked for Football Insider. Obsessed with anything football related. Still dreaming of a Premier League return for Leeds United.